Tate Cheerleaders Win Top Spots In Gulf Breeze Competition
December 22, 2024
The Tate High School Cheerleaders took several top spots during the Gulf Breeze Fins Up Cheerleader Competition on Saturday.
The teams placed as follows:
VARSITY
- Traditional — 1st place
- Gameday — 1st place
JV
- Traditional — 1st place (in an all VARSITY division)
- Gameday — 1st place
- Overall Traditional Grand Champions
- Best pyramid
FRESHMEN
- Traditional — 1st place
- Gameday — 1st place
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ice Flyers Delight Big Crowd With Thrilling Win Against First-Place Havoc
December 22, 2024
by Bill Vilona, Ice Flyers correspondent
The team’s pregame message was about the loyalty Ice Flyers’ fans have shown through this difficult start to the season.
The players then delivered a sought-after Christmas present, making everyone feel warm and joyful.
After Shane Bull produced a go-ahead goal with 2:15 remaining, the Ice Flyers received clutch stops from goaltender Brody Claeys, then held off a 6-on-4 situation in the final 41 seconds to seal a 3-2 win against the Huntsville Havoc that had a crowd of 5,352 at the Pensacola Bay Center standing and screaming in glee.
Just like old times.
“With how things have been going lately, to finally get a win it feels nice, it feels great,” said Bull, who scored a go-ahead goal earlier in the third period before the Havoc tied the game.
It was the Ice Flyers (5-14-2) first win since November 30 against Birmingham. The arena vibe and celebratory finish was a far different setting than the last Ice Flyers home game in a 2-1 loss against Macon when Graham was unable to coach due to a medical situation.
“I told the guys what I was most disappointed about (Macon) game was how we lost,” Graham said. “There were no fights. There was no passion, no urgency.
“And the fans have been extremely patient with the group. They should be upset with me. I understand that part of it. But they have been extremely supportive of the guys.
“I said (to team), do understand how rare that is in pro sports? To have the season we’re having and the fans continue to show up to support you guys. We have to start giving them payback.
“They are the ones who pay the bills, boys. We have to give give back, we have to give more of ourselves on home ice and to get a win for them was very important.”
The Ice Flyers will now take a brief break before a Christmas Day practice in late afternoon in preparation for the Dec. 26 game against the Macon Mayhem. A trip to Macon follows Dec. 27 and the Ice Flyers will be back at home on Dec. 28 against Peoria.
Based on how they played in consecutive nights against the Havoc – the first-place team in the league – the Ice Flyers have reason to gain confidence.
After six losses to Huntsville, including the 5-4 overtime loss Friday in Huntsville, the Ice Flyers gained three points out of four against the best team.
“It is obviously a step in the right direction,” Bull said. “This week we really battled hard in practice and had a setback and refocused on what we had to do to better and I think we showed all those things in past two games.”
In goal, Claeys earned his first win in a big way. He stopped 24 shots, many of those point-blank looks and provided a performance the Ice Flyers needed.
“Everybody played a role tonight, but I thought Brody really stole the game,” Graham said. “I think he played good (Friday) and we had the better scoring chances and weren’t able to get the point and I think Huntsville had the better scoring chances (Saturday) and (Claeys) was the difference maker.’’
A quick recap.
FIRST PERIOD
No scoring. The Ice Flyers killed off the game’s first power play and were in process of killing off another when Huntsville got its first penalty with 46 seconds left.
Claeys made several big saves to keep it scoreless at intermission.
SECOND PERIOD
A mistake behind the net led to Huntsville getting the game’s first goal with 12:39 remaining.
But two minutes later Cayden Cahill finished a perfect pass near the crease area from Tim Faulkner. On the ensuing faceoff, the Ice Flyers’ Sean Gulka dropped the gloves, then dropped Huntsville’s Benito Posa to the ice after both players traded a flurry of punches.
This was a fight that will be a season highlight and got the crowd going.
THIRD PERIOD
Bull’s first goal, his fourth of the season came on a rebound from a shot by Doug Elgstam. Bull was in perfect position after Huntsville goaltender Brian Wilson made a pad save to then bang home the rebound.
Four minutes later, the Havoc tied the game on Dominick Procopio’s wrist shot through traffic.
The score stayed that way until Bull made a power play pass to Jonathan Bartuccio-Pereira at the blue li ne, who then passed across to Sam Dabrowski. Bull then rushed to a point near the slot, had his stick locked and loaded and immediately rifled Dabowski’s pass to him into the net.
It was a one-timer that Graham has been preaching to Bull to shoot more often.
“I had to yell him in practice.. what are you doing?” he said. “That is a goal if you just shoot the one timer. It’s an ongoing joke. We when he scored that goal all the players were touching me with their sticks on the bench … “Coach you see, a one timer.
“I’m like thank the Lord we shot the one timer. It was funny but it was a great look, the pass was perfect from Dabo.”
The game ended in the flurry of the final minutes. The Ice Flyers were whistled for a delay of game penalty on a clearing attempt by Ivan Bondarenko that somehow lifted over the glass.
But in the final 15 seconds the Ice Flyers won a boards battled and got a clearing shot on the 6-on-4 situation to end the game.
Tate Aggies Soccer And Basketball Earn Friday Night Wins
December 21, 2024
Tate High School Aggie soccer and basketball both earned wins Friday night.
BOYS BASKETBALL
Tate 89, Navarre 58
BOYS SOCCER
Tate 3, Pensacola 1
Former Aggie Ronnie Douglas Named New Head Coach At Milton
December 20, 2024
Former Tate Aggies football head coach Ronnie Douglas has been named the new head coach for the Milton Panthers.
“With a proven track record of revitalizing struggling football programs, Coach Douglas is poised to bring a new era of success to Milton High School,” the school said Thursday.
Douglas has resigned from Tate in 2015 and after two seasons as head football coach to spend more time on his carwash business. He led the Aggies on two trips to the playoffs in his two seasons with a 8-3 record in his first season and a 9-3 record in his second season. The back-to-back play off appearances were the first for the Tate Aggies since the 1976 and 1977 seasons. Before Douglas, the Aggies won a four total games during three seasons.
He took over the Pine Forest High School football program in 2020 before resigning in 2022. He was 28-8 over three seasons at Pine Forest.
“Coach Douglas arrives with a wealth of experience, having previously turned around multiple underperforming teams into competitive powerhouses,” Milton High said in a press release. “His strategic vision, dedication to player development, and commitment to building winning cultures make him an exceptional choice for Milton High School. With a focus on strong fundamentals, teamwork, and community engagement, Coach Douglas is set to inspire both players and fans alike. We are excited to welcome Coach Ronnie Douglas to the Panther family. His impressive history of transforming football programs is exactly what we need as we look to elevate our program to new heights. We believe that Coach Douglas will not only drive our athletes to excel on the field but also help them grow as individuals off the field.”
Milton High was 0-10 this past season and is a combined 6-24 since 2022.
FloridaHighSchoolFootball.com also named Douglas as the All-Panhandle Coach of the Year.
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Lady Aggies Down Northview (With Photo Gallery)
December 17, 2024
The Tate Lady Aggies defeated the Northview Chiefs 70-23 Monday night during Ugly Sweater Night at Tate’s Fryman Gym.
Sam Williams led the Aggies on the court with 23 points. Brelynn Morris added 18 for Tate, while Taylor Malone had 10 points and Sarah Mitchell contributed eight. Other Aggie scorers were Amerie McGee with five, Kahri Davis with four and Kaylie Mitchell with two. Northview stats were not reported.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The Tate Lady Aggies will host Navarre on Wednesday in their final game until the new year. Northview will enjoy a long winter break until a January 9, 2025, game against Pensacola Catholic.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Aggies Win Two Over The Atmore Blue Devils
December 17, 2024
The Tate Aggies won two of the Escambia County High Blue Devils Monday night in Atmore.
The Tate varsity defeated Atmore 86-67, and the JV Aggies beat ECHS 58-25.
For more photos from varsity action, click here.
The Aggies play next at the Escambia Gators, and host Navarre on Friday night to round out the calendar year.
Photos by Andrew Garner/Atmore Advance for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate High’s Nate Ozuna Signs To Play Baseball At Pellissippi State
December 17, 2024
Tate High School’s Nate Ozuna signed Monday to play baseball for the Pellissippi State Panthers in Tennessee. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
SEC Soccer Tourney Remaining In Escambia County Through 2026 And Perhaps Beyond
December 14, 2024
The SEC Women’s Soccer Tournament will remain in Escambia COunty through 2026, with a possible extension to 2029, following a successful partnership since 2022, according to Pensacola Sports.
This year’s tournament at Ashton Brosnaham Park off 10 Mile Road, which saw Texas win its first SEC title, drew increased attendance compared to 2023.
Escambia County’s Ashton Brosnaham Athletic Park features 13 full-size soccer fields and a stadium complex with modern locker rooms across its 103 acres. This facility, combined with Pensacola’s beaches and hospitality, has established the city as a premier destination for collegiate soccer, Pensacola Sports said.
“Pensacola has provided an outstanding experience for our teams and SEC soccer fans,” said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. Similarly, Pensacola Sports President Ray Palmer expressed enthusiasm about the extension, noting their commitment to enhancing the tournament experience each year.
“Each year, we strive to enhance the tournament experience for everyone involved, and this extension shows the confidence the SEC has in Pensacola as a host city,” said Palmer. “We’re looking forward to welcoming the teams and their supporters back through 2026 and possibly beyond.”
For soccer championship action photos, click here.
For Fan Fest photos, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Flomaton Hurricane Head Coach Doug Vickery Retiring After 19 Years
December 13, 2024
Longtime Flomaton High School head football coach Doug Vickery has announced that he retiring from coaching in the state of Alabama.
Vickery has been the head coach for the Hurricanes for 19 years. During those 19 years, Vickery led the Hurricanes to their first-ever state championship in 2018, and there have been five quarterfinal appearances. Three of his boys played football for Flomaton during his tenure.
Vickery has not said will be next for him.
Above and below: Flomaton head coach Doug Vickery. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge. Pictured bottom two photos: The Flomaton Hurricanes and Vickery celebrate their first ever state championship. Trent Penny/Anniston Star for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate High’s Tristen Showalter Signs To Play Softball At Reid State
December 13, 2024
Tate High School’s Tristen Showalter signed Thursday to play softball with the Reid State Lions. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
